Shloka 24

Matsya Purana — The Episode of Madhu and Kaiṭabha: Gunas

Devanagari script

जानीवस्त्वां विश्वयोनिं त्वामेकं पुरुषोत्तमम् त्वमावां पाहि हेत्वर्थम् इदं नौ बुद्धिकारणम् //

Transliteration

jānīvastvāṃ viśvayoniṃ tvāmekaṃ puruṣottamam tvamāvāṃ pāhi hetvartham idaṃ nau buddhikāraṇam //

Translation

We know You as the womb-source of the universe—You alone are the Supreme Person. Protect us both for the sake of the cause (that must be fulfilled); this undertaking of ours is meant to be the occasion for right understanding.

Word by Word

• jānīvaḥ/jānīva: we know, we recognize

• tvām: You

• viśvayoniṃ: the source/womb of the universe

• tvām ekam: You alone

• puruṣottamam: the Supreme Person, highest among persons

• tvam: You

• āvām: us two/both of us

• pāhi: protect

• hetu-artham: for the sake of the reason/cause, for the intended purpose

• idam: this

• nau: of us/for us

• buddhi-kāraṇam: a cause/occasion for understanding, a means of awakening discernment

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (addressing Lord Matsya/Vishnu)

Entities Mentioned

• Puruṣottama (Vishnu)
• Viśvayoni (cosmic source)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Matsya Avatara
• Stuti
• Protection
• Cosmic Origin

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

It identifies the deity as Viśvayoni—the ultimate source from whom the cosmos arises—implying that even in Pralaya, refuge and continuity rest in the Supreme who precedes and outlasts dissolution.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

Manu models dharmic leadership: before acting, he seeks divine protection and clarity of buddhi (discernment), suggesting that righteous governance and household decisions should be grounded in humility, purpose (hetu), and spiritual counsel.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu/temple rule is stated; ritually, it functions as a stuti (invocatory prayer) emphasizing right intention and protection—principles that also underlie consecrations and other Purāṇic rites.